21:18 Paul went in with us unto James. For the identification and position of James, see PNT Ac 15:13. This James was not one of the twelve, but was the brother of the Lord, a witness of the risen Savior (1Co 15:7). James the brother of John had been slain (Ac 12:2); of James the son of Alphaeus, little is known; but James the brother of the Lord (Ga 1:19) was now the leader of the church at Jerusalem. No mention is made of any of the twelve, and it is probable that those still living in A.D. 58, were in other fields of labor.
And all the elders were present. The elders are mentioned, but not the apostles, a proof that none of the latter were present.
21:18 Paul went in with us - That it might appear we are all of one mind, to James - Commonly called the Lord's brother; the only apostle then presiding over the Churches in Judea.
21:8-18 Paul had express warning of his troubles, that when they came, they might be no surprise or terror to him. The general notice given us, that through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God, should be of the same use to us. Their weeping began to weaken and slacken his resolution Has not our Master told us to take up our cross? It was a trouble to him, that they should so earnestly press him to do that in which he could not gratify them without wronging his conscience. When we see trouble coming, it becomes us to say, not only, The will of the Lord must be done, and there is no remedy; but, Let the will of the Lord be done; for his will is his wisdom, and he doeth all according to the counsel of it. When a trouble is come, this must allay our griefs, that the will of the Lord is done; when we see it coming, this must silence our fears, that the will of the Lord shall be done; and we ought to say, Amen, let it be done. It is honourable to be an old disciple of Jesus Christ, to have been enabled by the grace of God to continue long in a course of duty, stedfast in the faith, growing more and more experienced, to a good old age. And with these old disciples one would choose to lodge; for the multitude of their years shall teach wisdom. Many brethren at Jerusalem received Paul gladly. We think, perhaps, that if we had him among us, we should gladly receive him; but we should not, if, having his doctrine, we do not gladly receive that.
